Michael Jackson & Me at Cirque du Soleil

On a recent “Mommies Night Out” with my super cool sister-in-law, Ligia, I had the opportunity to see Cirque du Soleil’s MICHAEL JACKSON THE IMMORTAL WORLD TOUR. If you’ve ever had the pleasure of seeing a Cirque du Soleil show, you know they’re always incredible! This one was exceptional! Cirque’s entertainment, creativity and athleticism, set to MJ’s biggest hits, create an experience that is not to be missed. As in…if you’re at all even remotely a MJ fan…click this link to see the list of toured cities and treat you and someone special to this incredible experience…(you’ll thank me!) http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/michael-jackson-tour/default.aspx

Going to a concert, singing at the top of my lungs, dancing like I was 18 all over again, unwinding and really “letting go” inspired this post. Mommies need to get out, but we knew that already! And in the middle of it all, Ligia and I met the coolest kids in our section (see below). They were probably between the ages of 9-14, and I don’t think I’ve ever met more die-hard fans. They knew every song, word for word. This night out was incredible on so many levels.

Getting to the heart of the matter, for me, hearing Michael’s songs now is still powerfully bittersweet, and probably always will be. Such an incredible talent … gone before his time.

While sitting at the show, I remembered one of my favorite childhood memories. When I was 10 years old, I heard a knock at the door one afternoon. When I opened the door, there was a Jehovah’s Witness holding a Watchtower pamphlet. I had experienced this before, but this time the Jehovah’s Witness was … Michael Jackson! I was awestruck, of course, but he was so charming and unassuming. He really had a way of connecting with people, whether it was speaking one-on-one or performing to a sold out stadium. I had the sheer joy of performing at Neverland Ranch about 15 years later, but I never lost touch with the feelings I had when THE Michael Jackson showed up on my doorstep! Seeing him always made me feel like that 10 year old girl again!

I always try to remind myself to be the change that I want to see in the world. We all know the lyrics to one of my favorite Michael Jackson songs, “Man in the Mirror,” which beautifully express that sentiment: If you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and then make that change.” He may be gone, but that lesson is one that will live on forever. I love you, Michael. You will live on in my heart always.